What’s New this Summer in BostonUSA?

 

 

What’s New this Summer in BostonUSA? is produced by the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau: Larry Meehan, VP,  Media Relations & Tourism Sales Tel: 617- 867-8231, e-mail: lmeehan@bostonusa.com Stacy Shreffler, Media Relations & Tourism Sales Manager, Tel: 617-867-8203 sshreffler@BostonUSA.com; July 1, 2008 edition

 www.BostonUSA.com is Boston’s Official Visitor Information website. The GBCVB is proud to be partners with the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, MASSPORT, Discover New England, Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events, & the Cambridge Office for Tourism.  BostonUSA Useful Links for Media, Tour & Meeting Planners: The Press Room of Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau: Press Room For BostonUSA events Click to view: 2008 Events at a Glance

 

Contents

 

1. Festivals & Celebrations BostonUSA this Summer: Boston’s July 4th/ Boston Harborfest is 27! SummersDay Revels Celebration; Each of Boston’s festivals, parades and celebrations promises to be bigger this year

2. Performing Arts: The 123rd Boston Pops Season; performances from Kenny Chesney to Jethro Tull to Dizzy Gillespie to Shakespeare In The Park this summer in Boston

3. Museums BostonUSA : Boston will open five (5) major exhibitions this summer: Baseball to Art Nouveau Jewelry ; from contemporary sculptors to an exhibition about marriage ceremonies

4. Hollywood In BostonUSA this Summer: Visitors can anticipate stars & Hollywood in BostonUSA this summer

5. Cool for Kids BostonUSA : More than ever before Boston is for families who like adventure

6. Trails & Tours BostonUSA this Summer: The new Boston HarborWalk is Boston’s newest visitor attraction; More tours than ever before including Greenway tours, new culinary walking tours and a high-speed harbor cruise called ‘Codzilla’ 

7. Sports & Outdoors BostonUSA this Summer & Beyond: Red Sox, Transatlantic Races, Lacrosse, Professional tennis, USA Gymnastics, the 73rd Suffolk Downs season, major league Soccer

8. Food & Wine BostonUSA this Summer: Three-course gourmet meals for $20.08; Chefs In Shorts! Boston Chowderfest!

9. New hotel, hotel restoration & renovation news: New - Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel: The new 21-floor, 456-room Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel opened on Feb. 18, 2008. …What’s Next? The Regent Battery Wharf Hotel, on the waterfront and the Mandarin Oriental Boston Hotel in the Back Bay

10. Hotel Packages & Promotions BostonUSA this Summer: July 4th Packages

11. BostonUSA Green Visitor Program This Summer: The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau expands ways visitors can enjoy car free-free gas-free holidays in Boston and enjoy a green summer visit!

12. CruisePort Boston News: More growth in 2008: Another record-breaker: 116 Boston CruisePort departures including the Queen Elizabeth II & Queen Mary II; weekly Bermuda cruises

13. Special Value & Discount Programs for Visitors this Summer : the New BostonUSA Specials Card has expanded 14 Conventions This Summer: This summer Boston will host more than thirty (30) conventions

15. Shopping:  The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau has  expanded its BostonUSA Shopping Visitor Program ; America’s newest Apple Store has opened in Boston’s Back Bay

16. BostonUSA Useful Links for Media, Press Room, 2008 Events at a Glance





 

  1. Festivals & Celebrations BostonUSA this Summer: Each of Boston’s festivals, parades and celebrations promises to be bigger this year:

 

·       The six-day 26th Boston Harborfest (July 1-6) & the Boston July 4th Celebration Over the years, Boston Harborfest has grown from a local event to a national celebration. In 1982 there were 35 activities over the course of three days. Now in its 27th year, Harborfest is considered to be the largest patriotic celebration in the nation with visitors enjoying more than 200 activities during the Festival.  Click here for more details.

·       33rd Boston Bastille Day Celebration (July 11)

·       13th  Italia Unita Festival (July 12-13)

·       Bastille Day in Cambridge (July 13)

·       35th Festival Betances  (July 19-20)

·       The 42nd Puerto Rican Festival & Parade (July 26-27 tentative),

·       The 94th St. Agrippina di Mineo Society Feast Celebration (August 2-3),

·       18th Irish Festival ( Aug. 8-10 tentative)

·       93rd Madonna Della Cava North End Feast Celebration (August 8-10)

·       Boston’s Chinatown August Moon Festival, (Aug. 10)

·       35th Caribbean Carnival Parade & Festival (August 23 tentative)

·       St. Anthony’s North End Feast Celebration (August 23-24)

·       Summer Revels (June 21-22), a two-day multicultural food and music kickoff to summer at Fort Point Channel, near Boston Children’s Museum.

·       Click to view: Explore Multicultural Events at a Glance 2008.

 

  1. Performing Arts BostonUSA this Summer

 

·       Boston’s summer performing arts season will feature major concerts by Celine Dion (Aug. 12), Kenny Chesney (July 26) , Roger Waters (July 9), Natalie Grant (July 25-26), Jethro Tull 40th Anniversary Tour (Aug. 4) as well as theatre and annual music festivals (Bank of America Pavilion, Boston’s Hatch Shell, Boston City Hall Plaza series).  

·       The 123rd Boston Pops (May 7-July 2)

·       Boston will present a free two-week outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s “ As You Like It” July 18-August 3, 2008 on Boston Common by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. On August 3, 2008  Celebrate Shakespeare Day will feature a free afternoon of activities including backstage tours, workshops, and performances by youth and statewide professional companies.

·       Summer music festivals:

·   Bank of America Pavilion: Chicago & the Doobie Brothers with Nicola Congiu (July 1) ; Feist with Juana Molina (July 8) ; Widespread Panic (July 10) ; Donna Sumer (July 12) ; John Mellencamp with Lucinda Williams (July 14-15) ; Mark Knopfler with Jesca Hoop (July 19) ; Crosby, Stills & Nash (July 25) ; Umphrey’s McGee & STS9 with KAP10 Harris & DJ Rootz (July 26) ; Sheryl Crow with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals (July 30) ; Rock n’ Roll Fantasy Camp (July 31) ; Extreme: Take US Alive Tour 2008 with Kings X and Rock n’ Roll Fantasy Camp (July 31) ; Solid Gold Dance Party 2008 featuring the Village People (August 1) ; State Radio (August 2) ; Jethro Tull: “40th Annicersary Tour” with Young Dubliners (August 4) ; Return to Forever featuring Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al Di Meola, Lenny White with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (August 6) ; Poison with Dokken and Sebastian Bach (August 7) ; G. Love & Special Sauce with John Butler Trio and Tristan Prettyman (August 14) ; Hot Stove Cool Music Presents Buddy Guy / George Thorogood & The Destroyers (August 17) ; Regeneration Tour featuring The Human League, Belinda Carlisle with ABC, A Flock of Seagulls & Naked Eyes (August 20) ; Tailgate 2008: Slightly Stoopid with Pepper & Dub Masters Sly & Robbie (August 21) ; My Morning Jacket (September 6) ; Ryan Adams and the Cardinals (September 7) ; Sigur Ros (September 19)

·   Hatch Shell Summer Festival: Libery Mutual Boston Pops Orchestra July 4th Preview Concert (July 3) ; Liberty Mutual Boston Pops Orchestra July 4th Concert Fireworks at Dusk (July 4) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “Copland” (July 9) ; The Guess Who with John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band (July 12) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “Green Masterpieces” (July 16) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “Gospel & Gershwin” (July 23) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “The Rite of Spring” (July 30) ; Harvard University Band (August 3) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “Opera Highlights” (August 6) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “Inspired Classics” (August 13) ; KC & the Sunshine Band (August 16) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “China on the Charles” (August 20) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “Delightful Dances” (August 27) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “Red Sox & Apple Pie” (September 2) ; Landmark Orchestra Concert Series: “Verdi’s Requiem” (September 10)

·   The Comcast Center (formerly the Tweeter Center) Music Festival: BlackBerry presents John Mayer with Brett Dennen (July 12) ; Linkin Park (July 16) ; 311 with special guest Snoop Dogg and Fiction Plane (July 18) ; Stever Miller Band with special guest Joe Cocker (July 19) ; 3 Doors Down with Staind, Hinder and Jet Black Stare presented by Wrigley’s Extra Fruit Sensations (July 22) ; Vans Warped Tour (July 23) ; 2008 Rock the Bells International Festival Series featuring A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, special guest The Pharcyde (July 26) ; Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom HuckJam presented by T-Mobile Sidekick (July 27) ; The Police with special guest Elvis Costello & The Imposters presented by Citi® (July 31) ; Maroon 5 with Counting Crows with special guest Sara Bareilles presented by NowWhat.com (August 2) ; Boston and Styx (August 3) ; Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival: Slipknot & Disturbed (August 5) ; Jack Johnson with special guests Rogue Wave and Neil Halstead (August 6) ; Jonas Brothers: The Burning Up Tour (August 7) ; O.A.R. with Ozmatli (August 8) ; Radiohead with Grizzly Bear (August 13) ; Rod Stewart (August 15) ; The Allman Brothers Band / Bob Weir & RatDog (August 16) ; Toby  Keith with Montgomery Gentry alond with Show Dog’s Carter’s Chord, Mica Roberts & Trailer Choir (August 17) ; Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick (August 19) ; Crüe Fest featuring Mötley Crüe, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Sixx: A.M. & Trapt (August 22) ; Lynyrd Skynyrd / Kid Rock (August 23) ; Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band (September 4 & 6) ; Rascal Flatts with Taylor Swift (September 13)

·   South Shore Music Circus & Landmarks Orchestra Festival: An Evening With RAIN: The Beatles Experience (July 2) ; An Evening With John McDermott (July 5) ; Russian American Kids Circus (July 10) ; Comedian Brad Garrett (July 11) ; Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre Presents: Snow White (July 17) ; An Evening With Gov’t Mule (July 17) ; Comedian Frank Caliendo (July 18) ; An Evening With Linda Eder & Steve Tyrell (July 19) ; Michael McDonald with Special Guest Dyan McDonald (July 23) ; Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre Presents: Jack and the Beanstalk (July 24) l An Evening With ABBA: The Tour (July 25) ; WWE Summer Slam Tour (July 26) ; Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre Presents: Cinderella (July 31) ; B.B. King with Special Guest George Gritzbach (August 1) ; Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra: Keith Lockhart, Conductor (August 2) ; Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre Presents: Rapunzel (August 7) ; Kenny Rogers (August 9) ; Homegrown Concert benefiting Cohasset Public Schools: Hootie & The Blowfish—Homegrown Tour (August 10) ; An Evening With The Saw Doctors (August 13) ; Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre Presents: Cinderella, Too! (August 14) ; Comedian/Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham Spark of Insanity (August 14) ; Bowzer’s Original Doo-Wop Party (August 15) ; An Evening With Tony Bennett (August 16) ; An Evening With Larry the Cable Guy (two performances on August 17) ; Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre Presents: Rumpelstiltskin (August 21) ; Sugarland (August 21) ; Gretchen Wilson (August 22) ; The Beach Boys with Special Guest Charlie Farren (August 23) ; Comedian Brian Regan (August 24) ; An Evening With Marc Cohn & Suzanne Vega (August 27) ; Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre Presents: Hansel Gretel (August 28) ; Chris Isaak (August 28) ; Comedian Artie Lange (August 29) ; A Special Acoustic Evening With Vince Gill (August 30) ; An  Evening With Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion (September 1)

·   19th Tanglewood Jazz Festival: Colombian harpist Edmar Casteneda and his trio, featuring vibraphonist Joe Locke (August 29) ; Pianist Eliane Elias (August 29) ; Seventh annual live taping of “Piano Jazz” for NPR with Marian McParland, Nnenna Freelon, Spencer Day and Mulgrew Miller (August 30) ; Pianist and composer Donal Fox performs his Scarlatti Jazz Suite Project with special guests, trumpeter Christian Scott and vocalist Dianne Reeves (August 30) ; Clarinetist and saxophonist Eddie Daniels and his quartet (August 31) ; “Hot Swing”: Violinist Mark O’Connor with special guest jazz vocalist Jane Monheit (August 31) ; Trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, with a 30-piece orchestr, performs material from the Grammy-winning CD “A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina)” (festival close, August 31)

·       Details: Click to view: BostonUSA! Cultural Insider 2008 Edition. Click to view: Concerts in Boston

 

3. Museums BostonUSA this Summer: Boston opens five (5) major exhibitions this summer ranging from the rich baseball heritage of America (500 artifacts from the Cooperstown Hall of Fame) to turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau jewelry (more than 120 designer objects).

 

·       "Anish Kapoor, Sculptor "exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art, May 30-September 1, 2008

·       “Baseball as America” exhibition Museum of Science  June 15-September 1, 2008  Baseball As America is a national celebration of America's romance with baseball and is a once-in-a-lifetime venture. The exhibition includes approximately 500 of the Museum's most precious artifacts, dating from baseball's early roots in the 19th century to today, ranging from uniforms, balls, bats and gloves, to books, recordings, artworks and films, to historic documents, advertising and ephemera. Among the highlights of the exhibition are The Game's most sacred relic, the Doubleday Ball, from baseball's mythic first game in 1839; Jackie Robinson's 1956 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey; a variety of artifacts from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League; record-setting bats from the Mark McGwire-Sammy Sosa home run chase of 1998, as well as those of Babe Ruth (home run #60 in 1927) and Roger Maris (home run #61 in 1961); FDR's January 15, 1942 "Green Light" letter calling for the continuation of professional baseball as a way to heighten morale during World War II; Norman Rockwell's 1949 painting The Three Umpires; the "Wonder Boy" bat from the movie The Natural; a 1908 Thomas Edison recording of "Casey at the Bat,” "Shoeless" Joe Jackson's shoes; and the most valuable baseball card in the world, the T206 Honus Wagner.

·       “Luisa Rabbia” exhibition Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, June 27-September 28, 2008

·       “Art Nouveau Jewelry” 120 works by the leading designers and fabricators of late nineteenth- to early twentieth-century Art Nouveau jewelry. Museum of Fine Arts July 23 – November  9, 2008

·       "Nicolas Hlobo" exhibition Institute of Contemporary Art  July 30-October 26, 2008

·       Visitors can view twenty (20) different exhibitions this summer: “El Greco to Velázquez: Art during the Reign of Philip III"” at the Museum of Fine Arts: This groundbreaking exhibition examines a fascinating period (1598-1621) bookended by the two giants of Spanish painting: the late works of El Greco and the early paintings of Velázquez. Discover the masterpieces of Philip III's court and the artists who flourished in his reign. Details on all exhibitions...”Wedded Bliss: The Marriage of Art and Ceremony” at the Peabody Essex Museum 130 objects from the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Pacific are showcased for a unique look at the complex beliefs and emotions surrounding the matrimonial experience…” Shaping Up America: JFK, Sports and the Call to Physical Fitness Shaping Up America “presents a special display of archival material and Museum objects from the Library's collection that focuses on President Kennedy's love of sports and athletics as well as his challenge to the nation to become more active and physically fit. Details on all the exhibitions: Click to view: Museum Exhibitions

 

4. Hollywood In BostonUSA this Summer: Visitors can anticipate stars & Hollywood in BostonUSA this summer:

There are nine (9) movies in production -or anticipated to begin filming soon in BostonUSA:

·       The next Martin Scorsese Boston-set-and-filmed movie “Ashecliffe” (based on ”Shutter Island” by local author Dennis Lehane, Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone) will star Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, and Ben Kinsley (filming began in March)

·       “The Surrogates,” the upcoming Disney movie starring Bruce Willis began shooting in April all over Boston and the surrounding towns. Hyde Park and Easton, MA were among many scouted locations. 

·       "The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past," which stars Jennifer Garner & Matthew McConaughey and a cast that includes Anne Archer, Michael Douglas, Emma Stone, and Lacey Chabert (filming from April onward) .

·       In May Kevin James's comedy "Mall Cop" started filming in Boston.

·       In May Ricky Gervais's "This Side of the Truth,"  a comedy about a world where no one has ever lied began, starring Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Jeffrey Tambor, Jonah Hill, & John Hodgman .

·       In May Kate Hudson is returned to Boston to film another movie, "Bride Wars," costarring Anne Hathaway.

·       In May-June "Sexual Healing," which chronicles the last years of singer Marvin Gaye’s life, staring James Gandolfini and Jesse L. Martin began shooting in Boston; the film will also include Los Angeles & Belgium.

·       "The Proposal," starring Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds, began filming north of Boston in May.

·       Late this summer/fall "The Fighter," the big-budget movie about "Irish" Micky Ward starring Mark Wahlberg & Brad Pitt will film northwest of Boston in Lowell.

 

5. Cool for Kids in BostonUSA this Summer: More than ever before Boston is for families who like adventure

·       Family visitors this summer can celebrate the 50th birthday of the Freedom Trail (50 events including a British Encampment on the Boston Common) or take a high-speed ferry to Georges Island, one of 34 islands lying within Boston Harbor that make up the Boston Harbor Island National Park, and start island hopping. There are free activities for families all summer long.Among the events: Boston Harbor Fest (July 1-6), British Encampment on Boston Common (Aug. 15-17).  Click here for event details: Freedom Trail 50th.  Click here for Freedom Trail 50th Hotel Packages

·       Minutes from downtown Boston by affordable fast ferry- the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. Thirty-four islands that include forts to explore, picnics, kite flying, beaches, free music and theatre for families.. Click here for Free Family Fun Days on the Boston Harbor Islands

 

6. Trails & Tours BostonUSA this Summer: The new Boston HarborWalk is Boston’s newest visitor attraction; More tours than ever before including Greenway tours, new culinary walking tours and a high-speed harbor cruise called ‘Codzilla’ 

 

 

·       The Boston Harbor Walk is Boston’s newest public walkway  along the waterfront that is  82% complete. Eventually 47 miles long,  the Boston HarborWalk - easily reached from hotels features parks, seating areas, boat ramps, cafes, exhibit areas, interpretive signage, water transportation facilities, waterfront museums. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Harbor . The Boston HarborWalk includes  wharves, piers, bridges, beaches and shoreline from Chelsea Creek (north of downtown Boston)  to the Neponset River (south of downtown Boston) .

·       The Boston HarborWalk also connects to new and existing networks of inland trails, which links the HarborWalk to the Emerald Necklace system, the Charles River Esplanade, the Freedom Trail, and the Rose Kennedy Greenway. In the future, the South Bay Harbor Trail will offer visitors a Boston Waterfront connection to Lower Roxbury, the South End, and Chinatown neighborhoods.

·       Among the museums along the Boston HarborWalk include the new ICA contemporary art museum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Museum, the Boston Children’s Museum, the New England Aquarium, USS Constitution ship, and the USS Constitution Museum. Among the historic sites is the oldest fortified site in the USA:  Fort Independence at Castle Island. Among the restaurants & hotels along the Boston HarborWalk are: the Marriott Long Wharf, InterContinental, Seaport Hotel, Renaissance Boston Waterfront, Yacht Haven, Marriott Tudor Wharf, Constitution Inn, the new Regent Battery Wharf Hotel, Doubletree Bayside, the ICA WaterCafe, Anthony’s Pier 4, LTK, Salvatore’s, Morton’s, Joe’s American Café, Meritage, Miel "Brasserie Provençale", Oceana, Sel De La Terre, Legal Seafood’s, and many more.

Recent improvements & additions include

·       Along the downtown Boston HarborWalk - at Lovejoy Wharf. A temporary walkway will eventually be replaced with a permanent HarborWalk at the time of redevelopment of the property, connecting with the adjacent HarborWalk. At Lewis Wharf: the path is paved to provide better access to the nearby Boston Sailing Center, and has new landscaping as well as Adirondack chairs for viewing the Harbor. At Sargent's Wharf,  opened in July, 2007 paved and has well-placed benches to allow the public to enjoy the waterfront. At  Long Wharf: visitors can watch the activities of the Harbor while enjoying the amenities of the Wharf that include a new boardwalk, benches, and landscaping. At the new InterContinental Hotel: a new HarborWalk segment with a generous walkway, benches, and well-designed landscaping has been a popular spot for visitors. An outdoor cafe next to the HarborWalk has opened and visitors can now take the City Water Taxi to and from the hotel dock.. At  253 Summer Street: a missing link between the HarborWalk at 253 Summer Street and the Gillette parcel was completed last year to allow public access from the street to the water's edge. At the Boston Children's Museum , the first "green" museum in Boston - the New Balance Climb, a three story climbing structure, and Kids Power, with bikes, basketball, wall climbing and an interactive dance floor, are already favorites of many children. Visitors can get lunch and snacks at the new Au Bon Pain cafe located in the Museum. As part of its commitment to "green design", the Museum has integrated roofs with plantings into the new addition; storm water retention system to reduce run-off into the Fort Point Channel; new infrastructure and fixtures to ensure building efficiency; and use of recycled, local, low-emitting building materials.

·       North of downtown Boston -the East Boston Greenway: The newly-constructed Bremen Street Park features playgrounds, wading/spray pool, large open green lawns, and a community garden. Bremen Street Park extends to Prescott Street, with the East Boston Greenway's biking and walking path extending to Neptune Road. A performance amphitheatre is included in the park's green space. There are benches and picnic tables along the paths, and a bocce court in the park. At Charlestown Navy Yard , Harborview at the Navy Yard opened in summer 2007- a mixed use development, includes 1.5 acres of open space, open to the public. The new HarborWalk segment features granite blocks along the seawall, interpretive signs along the waterfront, benches, seat walls facing the water, and an additional meandering path parallel to the HarborWalk with landscaping in between and around each of the features.

·       East and south of downtown Boston at  1st Street near I Street in South Boston, visitors can enjoy a generous walkway with viewing areas, free pedestal-mounted binoculars, seating, interpretive signage, and landscaping. An original rail from the Transcontinental Railroad, manufactured by the Bay State Iron Works once located on the site has been added.. Further south in Dorchester at Venezia Restaurant, Port Norfolk: a new HarborWalk segment was completed and viewing platform next to the restaurant and planted new landscaping next to the parking area. Next to the John F. Kennedy Library Museum  the path behind the Bayside Expo Center was completed connecting Old Harbor Park and Carson Beach. which includes benches, trellis, bike racks, drinking fountains, interpretative signage, and park with separate pedestrian and bicycle trails. For more information visit www.bostonharborwalk.com

·       Boston Duck Tours daily service began March 24, 2008. Service continues through November 30; weekend Duck Tours offered on December weekends.

 

·       The first Boston By Foot “Rose Kennedy Greenway” Tour will be offered Memorial Day Weekend on Sunday, May 25, 2008 from 10 am to noon and again on Saturday, July 5. The tour meets at Boston’s North Station and tells the story of the celebrated mile-long public works project, the biggest in USA history, the ideas behind each of the three major parks within the Greenway, namely the North End, the Wharf District, and the Chinatown Park.

·       The new Chinatown Culinary Tour will lead you  through this vibrant, energetic "village." Learn the differences between the many regional cuisines of China. Find out where to buy and how to select the finest authentic ingredients. Discover a bakery offering the best Chinese sweets, and learn the origin of Chinese Moon Cakes. Visit a Barbecue Shop and savor the tastes and smells of traditional Cantonese roasted meats. Slip into an authentic Chinese Herbal Pharmacy and explore the concept of Yin and Yang. Experience the phenomenon known as "Bubble Tea." Tour a market with exotic produce, fabulous seafood and an endless array of spices. Complete your stroll with a delicious Dim Sum Luncheon, hosted by your guide. Learn the ins and outs of ordering from the roaming carts and stationary stalls, and the unique rules of Dim Sum etiquette. 

·       The new Urban AdvenTours Boston Art  & Architecture Bicycle Tour showcases the  eclectic styles of Boston and the character and charm of each neighborhood community. Boston has a unique mix of historic and modern architecture unlike any other city. This extensive tour, specially designed to show you the city's public art and captivating architectural styles, includes: the  famous Faneuil Hall marketplace,  Frank Gehry’s Ray and Maria Stata Center at MIT, the  Landmark Center - the recently renovated former Sears warehouse, Historic Fenway Park and the nearby public gardens of The Fens & the ‘Emerald Necklace’,  the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Gardner Museum - two extraordinary buildings undergoing expansion, housing some of the countries finest art,  the dramatic headquarters of the Christian Science Center, complemented by I.M. Pei’s modern designs,  South Boston's rapidly changing waterfront, including the 'Green award-winning' Manulife Building, the classical Boston Design Center, and the new Institute of Contemporary Art museum. On this guided tour, you will also ride on paths created by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, see the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, and the revamped Seaport District. Feel free to snap pictures of all our great architecture, the Charles River and the new Rose Kennedy Greenway .The 'Art and Architecture Tour' includes: bicycle, helmet, and water bottle. Urban AdvenTours also offers a new  'Greening the Greenway Tour' is the best way to explore the infamous Big Dig and learn about the open space it has created, the Rose Kennedy Greenway. This $18 billion dollar project is the largest of its kind in the world, but promises to leave Boston with a fabulous new green space, changing the complexion of this historical city forever. This extensive tour, specifically designed to show you the overall experience of Boston, includes: historic Fenway Park, the Freedom Trail,  Haymarket (at the Greenway) or another public market for refreshments , the North End - Boston's oldest residential, Italian neighborhood , Copley Square, where you'll see the Boston Public Library & Trinity Church

·       Charles River Friday Night Kayak & Barbeque Enjoy an evening paddling one of the most scenic sections of urban river in the country, followed by some of the best food the area has to offer. We will start off with an introduction to basic kayaking strokes, then launch for a guided paddle on the Charles River. While exploring, your guide will discuss the river's place in Boston and Cambridge history. Upon return to the docks, we will sit down for a barbecue picnic catered by local favorite Redbones.

·       New ‘Codzilla’ fast boat cruise on Boston Harbor: Long Wharf:  Boston Harbor Cruises, June 28-Sept. 1, 2008 five times daily; Sept. 2-28 3 times on weekdays, 4 times daily weekends. Cost is $19.00 adults, $15.00 children 4-12 ).This is a new 40 miles per -hour entertaining  harbor cruise. The  waves will splash as the crew recounts the legendary tale of how Codzilla came to Boston. This wet and wild ride is 40 minutes of full blast, sensational fun for the entire family.

·       The 125’ Schooner Liberty Clipper begins daily sails on June 1, 2008. Docked at the New England  Aquarium the Liberty Clipper offers three 2-hour sails daily: 12noon, 3:00pm afternoon sail & a 6:00pm sunset sail

·       Whale Watch Tours this Summer: Visitors have seven choices for one of the most amazing tours available during the six-month April through October whale watch tour season. From Long Wharf: Boston Harbor Cruises (daily) & the New England Aquarium (tours daily); from Rowes Wharf: Mass. Bay Lines (tours daily). From Plymouth Harbor: Capt. John’s Boats (tours daily). From Provincetown: Dolphin Fleet (five tours daily). From Gloucester: Yankee Fleet. 

·       Boston Lighthouse Harbor Cruises-five-hour cruises that feature several of America’s most historic lighthouses will be offered by Boston Harbor Cruises from Lon g Wharf departing at 10:00am on July 12 & 19, Aug. 9 & 23, & Sept. 6, 2008. Tours are narrated by lighthouse expert Doug Bingham of the American Lighthouse Foundation, or by other members of the foundation. It begins in Boston with passes by Long Island Head Light and Deer Island Light, and then passes near Boston Light, the oldest lighthouse station in America. Heading north, the tour will pass by several sites including Graves Light, Hospital Point Light, Marblehead Light, Fort Pickering Light, Bakers Island Light, Eastern Point Light, Ten Pound Island Light, Straitsmouth Island Light and more. The Northern Lights tour culminates with a view of Thacher Island, site of the only still operating twin lighthouses left in the entire country.

·       Fast Ferry Service Downtown Boston -to Boston Harbor Islands: Spectacle & Georges Islands: Harbor Express service from Columbus Waterfront Park sailing nine times daily ( 10 x on weekends) June 21-Sept. 1, 2008. Adults $14.00 roundtrip; children 3-11 $10.00. Special “Family 4-pack” $42.00. Waterfront Park to Spectacle Island: 15 minutes; Georges 30 minutes.

·       Fast Ferry Service Downtown Boston to Quincy Fore River Shipyard Landing: Harbor Express service from Columbus Waterfront Park is available year round, sailing 23  times daily, nine times on weekends. Adults $12.00 roundtrip ($6.00 one way) ; children 3-11 are free. . There is weekday service seven times daily to Hull ; fare is $12.00 roundtrip($6.00 one way); children 3-11 are free.. No weekend service

·       Fast Ferry Service Downtown Boston -to Salem Blaney Street dock: Harbor Express service from New England Aquarium sails seven times daily, June 21-Sept. 8, 2008. Adults $22.00 roundtrip ($12.00 one way) ; children 3-11 $16.00 ($9.00 one way) . Special “Family 4-pack” $60.00. New England Aquarium to Salem: 45 minutes.

·       Fast Ferry Service Downtown Boston -to Provincetown, Cape Cod: Bay State, sailing seven days a week through Tuesday, October 14th, 2008.; Boston Harbor Cruises sails seven days a week in June-October, 2-3 departures daily in summer.

·       Charles Riverboat Tours: Five (5) tours daily, June 2-October 2008.

·       Yankee Fleet: after over 30 years at the Cape Ann Marina, the Yankee Fleet is relocating to downtown Gloucester.

·       PBS TV Boston WGBH TV, the home of NOVA, American Experience, Antiques Road Show, This Old House, Arthur - WGBH TV now offers a free behind the scenes 45–minute tour of WGBH's new all–digital studios in Boston's Brighton neighborhood. Details: WGBH Studio Tours.

 

7. Sports & Outdoors BostonUSA this Summer & Beyond: Transatlantic Races, Lacrosse, Professional tennis,

 

·       The Boston Red Sox completed "The Coca-Cola Corner,” a new family-friendly seating and hospitality area of Fenway Park for the 2008 season. The unique area adds more than 412 new seats to "America's Most Beloved Ballpark", and is part of the extension and expansion of the Red Sox partnership with Coca-Cola, the longest-standing team sponsor with a relationship dating back to 1912. Coca-Cola is "The Official Soft Drink of the Boston Red Sox". The new Coca-Cola Corner is located on the State Street Pavilion level, and was crowned with a new illuminated sign featuring the beverage company's signature red and white logo. The sign design harkens back to an historic Coca-Cola sign that stood on Storrow Drive for more than four decades, and provides the company with a new and even more meaningful historic Fenway presence. The Coca-Cola Corner seating area features picnic tables, Coca-Cola and Red Sox-themed décor and a wide variety of food and beverage options, including select Coca-Cola products. …Fenway Park Tours are offered year round: adults $12; children $10. The tours provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at America's most beloved ballpark which includes the Press Box, State Street Pavilion Box, Red Sox Hall of Fame Plaques and the oldest seats in Major League History.

·       The Boston Lobsters, Boston's newest professional sports team, a member of the World Team Tennis will announce their schedule and venue soon. Click here for details: Boston Lobsters LLC.

·       The 73rd   Suffolk Downs 2008 season began on May 3, 2008. One of America’s most historic racetracks, consists of 166 acres in East Boston and Revere, including 65 acres of open space Suffolk Downs is easily reached by Boston’s Blue Line “T” -with its own stop-Suffolk Downs. The 66th MassCap will be run on Saturday, September 20, 2008, five weeks prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. First run in 1935, the MassCap made a triumphant return in 2007 when new ownership brought it back after a two-year absence. Last year’s race was won by Grade I winner Brass Hat. The MassCap, features a guaranteed purse of $500,000. The legendary Seabiscuit raced here eight times, winning the MassCap in 1937. The MassCap has consistently been a showcase for racing’s best, including equine hall-of-famers War Admiral, Whirlaway and Cigar, and renowned jockeys Eddie Arcaro, Angel Cordero and Jerry Bailey. The site of the Beatles’ final Boston performance in 1966, Suffolk Downs continues to be a venue for additional forms of family entertainment, including the world famous Cirque du Soleil, concerts and charitable events such as the annual Hot Dog Safari.

 

 

8. Food & Wine BostonUSA this Summer: Three-course gourmet meals for $20.08; Chefs In Shorts! Boston Chowderfest!

·       The biggest-ever Summer Restaurant Week Boston® August 10-15 & August 17-22, 2008. The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau and American Express present Restaurant Week Boston® which, as a result of its popularity, is now two weeks long. The offer is incredible: 3-course lunches for $20.08 and/or 3-course dinners for $33.08 at more than 200 restaurants in Boston, Cambridge, the suburbs and beyond. The website (www.bostonusa.com/restaurantweek) for complete list, menus and reservations goes ‘live’ in July 18, 2008.

·       The biggest Chowderfest ever  (the 27th) on Boston City Hall Plaza is set for Sunday July 6, 2008. Attracting restaurants from all around metro-Boston to compete for the title of "Boston's Best Chowder." More than 2000 gallons of New England's signature dish will be ladled out to a crowd of over 11,000 enthusiastic chowder-samplers in this fun-filled Boston tradition.  Admission: $10 adults/$7 children under 12. For more information, please visit our BostonUSA Culinary Events & Tours Page. 

·       New Boston & Cambridge restaurants have just opened - or are about to open - and include: 606 Congress, Michael Schlow's new restaurant at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel ; Scampo at the new Liberty Boston Hotel (Opened March 2008): Award-winning chef Lydia Shire is known for pushing the envelope and creating an unrivaled culinary experience. Her soon-to-open Italian concept will undoubtedly follow suit. The atmosphere will pair simple, rustic food, chic Italian design and a glorious open kitchen ; Liberty Hotel ‘s Clink & Alibi bar & restaurant are now open ; Sensing at the new Regent Boston at Battery Wharf (May 2008)  in the North End (www.batterywharf.com): Sensing will offer cuisine by three-star Michelin chef, Guy Martin of Le Grand Véfour, Paris. Executive Chef: Gérard Barbin from Le Grand Véfour. The first Sensing restaurant opened in Paris in 2006 near the Jardin du Luxembourg. With 80-seats plus a 40-seat terrace overlooking Boston Harbor, the Boston location will be his first restaurant in the US. Modern and healthy seasonal menus will combine simplicity with technical mastery and feature top quality, including the best organically and locally grown, ingredients available ; L'Espalier (new location-formerly Gloucester  & Newbury) ), as well as a second Boston location for Sel de la Terre, will open at the new Mandarin Oriental, Boston hotel (opening Summer 2008).

 

 

9. New hotel, hotel restorations & renovations news: New: Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel: The new 21-floor, 456-room Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel opened on Feb. 18, 2008. The new 150-room, waterfront Regent Hotel at Battery Wharf Boston opened May 2008. What’s Next?

·                   Mandarin Oriental Boston: 136-room luxury hotel opens July 2008

·                   “W” Theatre District Hotel : 235-room hotel opens April 2009

·                   Ames Hotel- 100-room boutique hotel opposite Old State House opens mid-2009

 

 

More than $75 million of renovations & restorations are underway:

·                   Colonnade Hotel: $18 million transformation complete in spring 2008

·                   Omni Parker House $18 million transformation complete in spring 2008

·                   The Copley Square Hotel: $14 million renovation -reopens May 2008

·                   Millennium Bostonian Hotel $25 Million Renovation complete late summer 2008.

 

 

10. Hotel Packages & Promotions BostonUSA this Summer: July 4th Packages

·                     4th of July Package - Taj Boston - July 4th Sparkler Package: Just steps from the Boston Pops July 4th Concert on the Esplanade and the Swan Boats in the Public Garden. Package includes: Deluxe accommodations for two, luncheon choice of a set menu in The Café or a picnic basket set up in the Public Garden, July 4th festive welcome amenity, Taj Boston kites to fly. Rates start at $379/night. Package is valid from July 1-7, 2008 and is based upon availability. http://www.tajhotels.com

·                     4th of July Package - Best Western Terrace: The Best Western Terrace Inn is offering the incredibly low rate of $139.99 for this spectacular night. Date: 07/04/2008. Located steps from the subway, this special hotel deal includes: Deluxe accommodations, free continental breakfast for the whole family, free hotel parking, free wireless internet, free local phone calls. Call 617-566-6260 for reservations. http://www.bostonbw.com

·                     4th of July Package - Boston Harbor Hotel - Stars and Stripes Package: Enjoy a sizzling summer with our spectacular Stars and Stripes package. Relax in luxurious accommodations, and then venture to Intrigue Café where priority seating awaits you on the outdoor terrace. Indulge in one of our specialty cocktails while watching the yachts glide across the harbor. Awake to a Full American Breakfast for two in Intrigue Café. The Stars and Stripes package also includes complimentary Valet Parking and use of the Fitness Center and Pool. Start Date: 07/03/2008. End Date: 07/07/2008. Please call the hotel direct at 617-439-7000 to secure the Stars and Stripes Package. http://www.bhh.com

·                     4th of July Package - Omni Parker House Hotel - Boston Pops Package: Celebrate the 4th of July with the Omni Parker House and the Boston Pops. This 4th of July spend the day at the Esplanade where you will enjoy great music and a spectacular fireworks show over the Charles River. Kick off your celebration with our luxurious accommodations, a complimentary Boston Pops cd, 2 American Flags, and breakfast buffet. Start Date: 07/01/2008. End Date: 07/06/2008. Promotion Details: Deluxe room accommodations, full  breakfast buffet daily in Parkers Restaurant for up to 2 adults and 2 children, Keith Lockhart American CD, two small American flags, brochure with Harbor and Fourth of July activities. From $249 per night. http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/default.asp?h_id=20

 11. BostonUSA Green Visitor Program This Summer: The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau is committed to growing its green visitor program and looks forward to inquiries from you- the individual visitor, family, tour planner, meeting planner or convention planner - so that you can plan your BostonUSA green getaway, group tour, meeting or convention. As "America's Walking City" Boston offers the visitor the opportunity to enjoy a unique 'green getaway' car-free!  

·       Boston's most popular visitor attraction, the Freedom Trail, is a walk-through-history trail.  At the mid-point of the Freedom Trail is Boston's most popular café district - Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

·       Visitors can walk to museums, attractions - or hop on a very efficient Trolley that loops through the city. The Boston public transit system-easily understood by visitors with its four-color lines that connects hotels, attractions, shops, convention centers, and different neighborhoods.

·       Even Logan International Airport is now connected through the brand new Silver Line. Terminals with the Amtrak South Station---so traveling by train is really enjoyable.

·       Water, rail, and coach transportation in Boston is convenient. It is easy and inexpensive for the visitor staying at a hotel in Boston & Cambridge to tour the Boston Harbor Islands, Cape Cod (Provincetown), Salem, and Quincy by fast ferry. A day trip to Portland, Maine, Providence, Rhode Island, or even New York City by high speed rail is affordable. You can also take a day trip by coach to the Wrentham Village Outlet or Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun Casinos. All of which are also low cost and convenient.

·       Boston & Cambridge hotels, restaurants, attractions & tours are engaged in a widespread 'greening' initiative - as you will read in our online guide: Click to view: BostonUSA Green Visitors Program.

 

12. CruisePort Boston News: More growth in 2008: Another record-breaker: 116 Boston CruisePort departures

·       The 2008 cruise season officially began on Saturday, April 12th with the arrival of the Amadea for an overnight port-of-call. This year’s season runs through November 7, 2008, and so far anticipates 116 ship calls with more than  250,000 travelers passing through Cruiseport Boston with 15 cruise lines offering an assortment of New England/Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, and trans-Atlantic itineraries.

·       The 2008 season will include the legendary Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 18, 2008 (the ship is being retired this year) ; the Queen Mary II visits on May 25, Oct. 2, & July 4, for America’s 232nd Birthday & Boston Harborfest. Holland America’s new $450 million 2,104-passenger Eurodam (the largest ever constructed for HA) will be in Boston twice in ’08. The weekly Boston-Bermuda NCL ships begin their Sunday departures May 11, 2008 & conclude November 2, 2008. Norwegian Majesty, which holds 1,500 passengers, sailed the Boston-Bermuda itinerary since 1994. In 2008, Norwegian Dream will replace Norwegian Majesty beginning her inaugural season on Sundays from May 11 through August 24, and again from September 28 to October 26, 2008 with seven-day, weekly sailings to Bermuda. A brand new itinerary of seven-day cruises to Canada/New England begins on August 31 through September 21, 2008. Click here for 2008 Boston CruisePort Schedule:

 

13. Special Value & Discount Programs for Visitors this Summer

 

·       The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau has created an easy-to-use BostonUSA Specials! Card that offers discounts and value-added offers at participating museums, restaurants and shops, as well as savings on sightseeing tours. Best of all - cards are free. The Summer 2008 Edition has been expanded to include Boston Duck Tours, walking tours, fast ferry cruises and other tours:

·       Included: Boston Duck Tours, Boston By Foot walking Tours, The John F. Kennedy Library Museum; the new Institute of Contemporary Art on the Boston Waterfront; the Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Center, all offer $1.00-$2.00 off regular admission. Cambridge's American Repertory Theatre provides $10.00 off theatre tickets. Participating restaurants (12) offer 15% off the dinner check or a complimentary dessert or appetizer for cardholders. If you are strolling through Boston's South End take advantage of savings of 20% off your lunch check at POPS Restaurant or complimentary appetizer at the Union Oyster House or the Red Sky Restaurant.. New offers are valid from April 1, 2008 through October 31, 2008.

 

·       For visiting families The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau has created The Family-Friendly ValuePASS offers special discounts, from 2-for 1s and second child admitted free, to free ice cream or 10% - 20% off purchases at participating museums, attractions, stores and restaurants. Click to view the FAMILY-FRIENDLY ValuePASS. Print a copy of the ValuePASS and simply show the PASS to the cashier, ticket seller or wait person to receive your discount. Offers are not valid with other coupons or discounts. We suggest calling ahead to confirm hours, location and availability. Why not include a FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTEL PACKAGE,

 

·       The Boston CityPass Visit 6 famous Boston attractions for one amazing low price! Includes tickets to The New England Aquarium, Harvard Museum of Natural History, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Museum of Science and the Skywalk Observatory at the PrudentialCenter! Plus money saving coupons including: The Freedom Trail guided walking tour or audio tour, $3.00 off a whale watch at the New England Aquarium as well as a free lobster appetizer, preferred seating and 10% off of gift shop purchases in The Union Oyster House restaurant- American's first restaurant! See more and avoid most ticket lines! CityPass is good for nine days beginning date of first use- it's perfect for a weekend or a week! (An $85.90 value for only $44.00).

 

·       The Go Boston Card With the Go Boston Card you'll enjoy unlimited admission to 60 plus attractions and tours in Boston for one low price! PLUS you'll receive a Free 172 page full color pocket guidebook, and savings of up to 20% on shopping and dining throughout the city. Traveling further? You can keep "Going" with admission to other NE attractions, including Plimoth Plantation, Old Sturbridge Village and much More!

 

 

14. Conventions This Summer: This summer Boston will host more than thirty (30) conventions ranging from the large ‘citywides’ such as the 12,000-delegate American Society of Microbiology General Meeting,  the 8,500-delegate Drug Information Association convention,  the 11,000-delegate National Letter Carrier convention,   the 5,000-delegate American Sociological Association convention, the 18,000 -delegate American Psychological Association convention  to the smaller meetings & events- the 2000-person US Judo Association Junior National Championships, the 1800 Association of Certified Fraud Examiners or the 475-person Photoshop Users Workshop.   

 

 

15. Shopping:  The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau has  expanded its BostonUSA Shopping Visitor Program .

 

·       The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau has expanded its online BostonUSA Shopping Visitor Guide. Click to view:  Boston Shopping Preview Including a  7-page BostonUSA shopping guide, links to seven shopping destinations in Boston: Shops at Prudential Center , Copley Place, Filene's Basement , Newbury Street, CambridgeSide Galleria, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Wrentham Village Premium Outlets  (and the daily Coach to Wrentham Premium Outlets) , BostonUSA Hotel Shopping Packages. For Boston’s European visitors the site contains a chart, What Your Money Buys in BostonUSA: Dollar to Euro. The expanded site also features a “Getting Around to the Shops” guide: Boston Map, a Boston Walking Distance Map and good advice how to get around: Shop Boston's 'hop-on-hop off' trolley tours. Perfect for a Shopping Day.

 

·       In 2007 Boston’s Copley Place  opened a new Christian Dior, David Yurman, Salvatore Ferragamo an expanded Armani Exchange, an expanded Louis Vuitton, a new Anne Klein, the Walking Store,  and a new Iridesse Pearls store.

 

·       The landmark Filene’s Basement in Boston’s Downtown Crossing has closed for 2 years and is planning to reopen in 2009-2010 in a renovated space. The new Back Bay Filene’s Basement on Boylston Street (between Berkeley and Clarendon Streets)  is open and very popular

 

·       The “Natick Collection”  opened in October 2007 featuring the first Nordstrom’s in Massachusetts

 

·       Boston's first Apple flagship store has finally opened at 815 Boylston Street. The contemporary ‘clear jewel box’ design promises to be the Hub's most exciting piece of retail architecture in years. Its arrival shows that Boston wants contemporary design to blend in with the historic- the ‘new’ Boston.

 

·       Many visitors from outside New England are not aware of the number of international shops within walking distance of each other or the one-of-a-kind shops the visitor will find in Boston’s shopping districts and shopping streets such as Newbury Street.

 

·       In Copley Place: A|X Armani Exchange, Barneys New York, BGBC MAXAZRIA, Burberry, Christian Dior, David Yurman, Emporio Armani, Gucci, Hugo Boss Orange, Iridesse Pearls, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Porsche Design, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tiffany & Co., Tourneau, and coming soon Intimacy. Shops at Pru (connected to Copley Place): Charles David, Club Monaco, Free People, Saks Fifth Avenue, and coming soon Mango (Penelope Cruz’s new clothing line made in Spain).On Newbury Street: Best Buy, Bliss, Cole Haan, Dress, Envi (Green), French Connection, H&M,  Intermix, Louis Boston, Marc Jacobs, Newbury Comics, Niketown, Puma, Reiss, Rugby by Ralph Lauren, Stel’s, Stil, Urban Outfitters, Valentino, Diptyique, Johnny Cupcakes, Barbour, and coming soon ZARA. Boylston Street: Filene’s, Lord & Taylor, Winston Flowers, Shreve, Crump & Low, Anthropologie, Aquascutum. Nearby on Charles Street: Good, Holiday, Wish Splash, Moxie, Black Ink. Nearby in the  South End: Hudson, Parlor, Sooki, Turtle, Uniform and Viola. In Downtown Crossing: Macy’s, H&M, Border’s. At Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Ann Taylor, Coach, Crabtree & Evelyn, Nine West, Urban Outfitters, Minutes away - in CambridgeSide Galleria: Apple Store, Banana Republic, Best Buy, Gap, H&M, Hollister, J. Crew, Macy’s, Old Navy and Sears. In Harvard Square: Adidas Originals, Black Ink, Museum of Useful Things, Bowl & Board, Mint Julep, Desinvolte, Leavitt & Peirce Inc., Tess, Newbury Comics, The Tannery, Urban Outfitters.

 

·       A new $690 million Waterside Place which will feature more than a half-million sq ft of shops, a 300-room hotel  and 200-unit residential complex opposite the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) on Summer Street, will  break ground in the spring of 2008, with a completion date slated for spring of 2011. The Waterside Pace will be LEED-certifiable project, and will also feature a 20,000 sq. ft. Visitor Center

 

·       The first five stores of the new Patriot Place, a retail and entertainment complex on the grounds of Gillette Stadium that will feature more than one million square feet of commercial space including  70 retail stores, restaurants and entertainment establishments on the north and west sides of Gillette Stadium. Just open are Bass Pro Shops, CBS Scene, Bed Bath & Beyond, Christmas Tree Shops and Circuit City. A new hotel is planned.

 

 

16. BostonUSA Useful Links for Media, Tour & Meeting Planners: Press Room of Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau: Press Room; 2008 Events at a Glance; 2009 Events at A Glance; More than 25 hotel package options in Boston, Cambridge & beyond - click here: Hotel Packages; Find out about all Massachusetts has to offer, click here: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism ; Click to view: Group Tour Preview; This is our dedicated group tour planner mini-site with news and more than 35 links to tour planner resources; Images For Your Use: Click to view:  Available Photos BostonUSA new online Map Interactive Boston Online Map. Click here for Culinary Events & Tours

 

What’s New in BostonUSA? is produced by the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

: Larry Meehan, VP,  Media Relations & Tourism Sales Tel: 617- 867-8231, e-mail: lmeehan@bostonusa.com Stacy Shreffler, Media Relations & Tourism Sales Manager, Tel: 617-867-8203 / email: sshreffler@BostonUSA.com;
www.BostonUSA.com is Boston’s Official Visitor Information website. The GBCVB is proud to be partners with the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, MASSPORT, Discover New England, Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events, & the Cambridge Office for Tourism.